Caprese Delight Sandwich
Experience the vibrant flavors of Naples with this Caprese Delight Sandwich. Perfect for a leisurely lunch, this sandwich captures the essence of summer with its fresh garden tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic, all nestled between crusty Italian bread. During my time in Naples, I enjoyed these sandwiches regularly, and they never failed to satisfy. While the classic combination is exceptional on its own, you're welcome to elevate the flavors by adding ingredients such as capers, oregano, or crushed black olives. This simple, yet indulgent recipe serves as a delightful reminder of the Italian coastline while on your lunch break.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh garden tomatoes
2 (sliced into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices)
fresh garlic
1-6 cloves (crushed)
fresh basil
1 bunch (chopped and whole leaves reserved for garnish)
extra virgin olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Italian bread
1 loaf (cut in half crosswise and sliced lengthwise)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Gather all ingredients and prepare them according to taste.
2
Slice the fresh garden tomatoes into 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick slices.
3
Peel and crush the desired number of fresh garlic cloves.
4
Rinse and chop a handful of fresh basil leaves, leaving some whole for garnishing.
5
Cut the Italian bread loaf in half crosswise, and then slice each half lengthwise, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
6
Open each half of the bread like a book and lay it flat.
7
Generously drizzle extra virgin olive oil on both sides of the bread for added flavor.
8
Spread the crushed garlic evenly on the bottom side of the loaf, adjusting the amount to your personal preference.
9
Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves on top of the garlic, creating a fragrant base layer.
10
Layer the tomato slices evenly over the garlic and basil, slightly overlapping them for both texture and appearance.
11
If you enjoy the taste, feel free to add more crushed garlic on top of the tomatoes.
12
Season the tomatoes generously with salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors.
13
Top the sandwich with whole basil leaves for an aromatic and visually appealing garnish.
14
Serve the sandwiches open-faced to showcase the beautiful layers of flavor, and enjoy each bite of summer bliss.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Caprese Delight Sandwich?
It is a Naples-inspired sandwich featuring fresh garden tomatoes, fragrant basil, and aromatic garlic on crusty Italian bread.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
A loaf of crusty Italian bread is recommended for the best texture and flavor.
How should the tomatoes be sliced?
The garden tomatoes should be sliced into pieces between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 to 6 cloves of fresh garlic, depending on your personal preference.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sandwich?
The garlic cloves should be peeled and then crushed before being spread on the bread.
What type of basil is used?
Use one bunch of fresh basil, with some leaves chopped for the base and some kept whole for garnish.
What type of oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to drizzle on the bread for added flavor.
How is the Italian bread prepared?
Cut the loaf in half crosswise and then slice each half lengthwise without cutting all the way through.
What are the layering instructions for the bread?
Drizzle with olive oil, spread crushed garlic, add chopped basil, then layer the tomato slices.
Can I add extra garlic?
Yes, you can add more crushed garlic on top of the tomatoes if you enjoy a stronger garlic taste.
How should the tomatoes be seasoned?
Season the tomato slices generously with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
What are some optional ingredients to elevate the sandwich?
You can add capers, oregano, or crushed black olives for additional Mediterranean flavor.
How is the sandwich served?
The sandwiches are served open-faced to showcase the colorful layers of ingredients.
Where did the inspiration for this sandwich come from?
The recipe is inspired by the vibrant flavors found in Naples, Italy.
Is this a good recipe for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect and simple summer lunch idea.
Should the basil be rinsed?
Yes, the fresh basil leaves should be rinsed before being chopped or used as garnish.
How do I arrange the tomatoes?
Layer the tomato slices evenly over the garlic and basil base, slightly overlapping them.
What provides the fragrant base layer of the sandwich?
The combination of crushed garlic and chopped basil creates the fragrant base layer.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients consist of bread, vegetables, herbs, and olive oil.
How do I garnish the sandwich?
Top the completed sandwich with whole fresh basil leaves for a visually appealing finish.
What should I do after cutting the bread lengthwise?
Open each half of the bread like a book and lay it flat before adding ingredients.
How many ingredients are in the Caprese Delight Sandwich?
There are 7 main ingredients: tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, Italian bread, salt, and pepper.
Does the recipe require cooking?
No, this is a fresh assembly recipe that does not require heat.
Can I use any type of tomato?
While any tomato works, fresh garden tomatoes are recommended for the best summer flavor.
How do I ensure the bread doesn't break?
When slicing lengthwise, be careful not to cut all the way through the crust.
Is the sandwich spicy?
The sandwich is not inherently spicy, though the fresh garlic provides a sharp, aromatic bite.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to gather all ingredients and prepare them according to your taste.
Why drizzle oil on both sides of the bread?
Drizzling olive oil on both sides ensures the bread is flavorful and moist throughout.
What defines this as a 'Caprese' style sandwich?
The use of fresh tomatoes and basil are key components of the traditional Caprese flavor profile.
What is the overall flavor profile?
The profile is fresh, garlicky, and aromatic, capturing the essence of the Italian coastline.